MEANWHILE: Reel tales giving Government headaches

Two films are giving policy mandarins sleepless nights for the past few days. But it’s not just policy mandarins who are confused, even politicians have conflicting views.

Are these films promoting women’s safety or are they needlessly affecting the footfall of tourists?

Let’s talk about the first film. A BBC documentary has sparked fears among legislators that the film cements the stereotype – India is not safe for women.

A BBC documentary has sparked fears among legislators that the film cements the stereotype – India is not safe for women

It may not matter that what one of the Nirbhaya rapists in the film says, is in tune with a set of notions prevalent in the country.

Of course, no right minded person endorses rape, but the fact that women should not be out of doors post 9pm, is a view held in traditional homes.

But, this wasn’t the cause of worry for politicians.

“This affects tourism. The police should take appropriate action,” BJP’s spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said in the Rajya Sabha.

The second to-be-released documentary again disturbs the Centre’s priority. The ‘film’, to be made under the banner of Karnataka government, will give local police a chance to hone their camera skills.

As per a circular issued by the state government last week, foreign tourists can be video-recorded by policemen if they indulge in “inappropriate behaviour.”

This means, a female foreign tourist not partying “in tune with Indian culture”, has to allow ogling policemen to record her video as evidence for disciplinary action.

A discourse on crimes against women has been one of the successes in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya rape case.

For a while, it seemed we were going in the right direction, but these two moves have fizzled out the firecracker moment for India.

The Mauka Mauka moment has gone and we may have to wait for a while before we can get it back.